Founding Partner

Damian Kernahan

After graduating with a Business degree Damian went to work with Australia's largest dairy company, National Foods, growing brands such as Pura Light Start and IC Strong Iced Coffee into national brands from a regional base. At Foster’s Brewing Group he had responsibility for leading their flagship Foster’s portfolio and launching a range of new beers to the Australian market place. Following completion of an MBA from the AGSM, he moved to the USA for three years to work with Diageo, leading the growth of some of the best-known global alcohol brands.

Having gained marketing director level experience coupled with strong innovation and NPD implementation across Australia and North America, he decided to further develop his career and develop expertise and experience in the Services industry with Y&R. He held senior management roles including running the Telstra communications account, Managing Director of Y&R Melbourne and for the final two years sat on various company boards as Chief Marketing Officer for Y&R Brands. This service industry experience gives him in conjunction with his deep product innovation background the deep level of insight and experience required to design unique opportunities for service organisations in Australia. His last role prior to leaving Y&R Brands was as ANZ CEO of the WPP start-up Enfatico, bringing together over 40 staff across a diverse range of skills including brand strategy data, digital and media to deliver world class service for Dell Computers.

After 20 years spent working with some of the most innovative organisations in Australia and the US, Damian set up Proto Partners Service Design determined to establish Australia's first ‘Service Design’ firm and overhaul the service Australian customers receive, one exceptional experience at a time.

He and his wife have two beautiful little boys who reminds him daily what is possible with a little imagination.